This study, conducted at the Howard University College of Pharmacy, aimed to assess pharmacy students’ understanding and opinions on the off-label use of gabapentin in the treatment of pruritus. Gabapentin is primarily prescribed for conditions such as seizures and neuropathic pain, raising concerns when it is used for pruritus without formal approval. A survey of 39 students found that only 27% were aware of gabapentin’s approval for the treatment of seizures, while just 10.8% recognized its use for pruritus related to hemodialysis. Furthermore, only 32.4% of participants were informed about its safety profile concerning dosing. A significant portion of the students (40.5%) expressed reluctance about using non-FDA-approved medications for pruritus, and 37.8% advised against promoting its off-label application. On the other hand, 48.6% preferred the use of established treatments for the management of pruritus. These findings highlight the need for educational initiatives to address misconceptions regarding off-label drug use. However, limitations of this study include a small sample size and potential bias from self-reported data, which may limit the generalization of the results. This study provides a foundation for further exploration into the implications of off-label drug use in medical practice.
